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They may call it the Big Day, but the elements that make it are small. From lingerie to nail lacquer, from groomsmen gifts to garters, there are dozens of tiny tchotchkes that make your wedding day special. Asheville's bounty of boutiques hold everything brides and grooms alike need to primp, pamper and celebrate in anticipation of the day.

Walk into Marthaler Jewelers, the co-venture of jewelry experts and enthusiasts Andy and Tonya Marthaler, and you’ll instantly feel at home in the refined and elegant showroom. It’s a true testament to the idea that the world of high-end jewelry can be an experience that is both fun and comfortable, without compromising quality or integrity.

A makeover is more than just a new look. It may include makeup, a change in hairstyle and a new outfit or two, but more importantly, it’s a therapeutic experience. One that provokes a feeling beyond exterior changes and delves into the very soul. The first thing I consider when approaching a makeover is my client’s current look and habits,…

When George Vanderbilt envisioned the triumphant edifice that would become Biltmore Estate, it was threaded with French arts and influence, stained with his memories of Châteauesque-style French Renaissance abodes in the countryside. Architect Richard Morris Hunt laid out his extensive plans in the French style and infused them with a special kind of refinery, and Vanderbilt recruited French artisans and…

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If that holds true, any eyes that are lucky enough to gaze upon the exquisite jewelry of Asheville-based goldsmith and designer Paula Dawkins know they have seen something truly special. Since the '70s, Dawkins has honed her craft with her signature laser focus and in 1983 her seminal design studio,…

Little speaks to the simple pleasures of summer like a good old fashioned hangout on your back porch or patio area. The long-time centerpiece of warm-weather fun, backyard spaces are where friendships are forged and family memories made.